Urai, Kenji

[ Graduate of Osaka University, School of Engineering Science ]

I feel as if this program was made specifically for me.

Q: What were your motivations for joining the program?

I hope to become a corporate researcher, which is why I want to receive a doctoral degree. However, I was hesitant because of the time and financial burden involved. It was then that I learned of this program, and it was a great chance for me, as I could perform research while receiving financial assistance. In terms of the content, it matched my plans and goals; it was as if this program was tailor-made just for me.

Q: What are your future dreams and goals?

I would like to create energy-efficient robots. Not industrial robots that work efficiently in pre-set environments, but robots that can be used in homes and everyday environments and which can move in many complex ways. I want to learn a lot from living things and apply them towards the creation of robots that anyone can use, and in various situations.

Q: What are your impressions and thoughts about the program?

Others in the program have shown interest in my robotics research, and they ask unexpected questions and offer ideas I had not considered. My professors also ask many questions and offer advice and useful suggestions. I also attended a special lecture by researchers working in other countries, and from that I realized the importance of communication skills for our research.

I am acutely aware that in order for my research to have an impact on society, excellent research results are not enough; coordination with companies and the community is also vital. Towards those ends, I also need to develop my leadership skills. Integrated research provides a chance to work with others in different fields, as well as those in various industries and organizations. It seems to me that such large-scale integrated research will undoubtedly lead to some great innovations.